Things I learnt from Chris Haueter – #1 Starting a roll from your knees isn’t as useful as starting it in different positions.

Most grappling clubs start sparring with both people on their knees and whilst this minimises the injuries that sparring on the feet has, I don’t think it’s the most efficient use of limited class time.

I agree that it’s fair and even, but why not start with one person in closed guard, in side control or in back control etc? By doing such a thing you’re in the thick of the action straight away and not dancing around the mulberry bush just to get started.

I think taking such an approach is also a really useful way of building the repetitions of breaking a closed guard, getting out from under side control or keeping on someones back (All fundamental core skills that can never be worked enough).

But you don’t have to stop there you can start from any position.

If for instance you’ve just taught a class on De la Rivaguard, how inefficient is it if everyone then starts to roll from their knees? Yes, eventually one person will end up in guard but why not save some time by starting with one person in De la Riva guard? Then if someone progresses to a tap etc, then they end up in De la Riva guard, giving the other person a go. This gives both people a chance to work what has been covered, work opposing sides of the material and is a more efficient use of your time. (more…)